News Release For Regional Distribution

Featured speaker will be Mike Whitmore, Compliance Assistant Specialist with Iowa OSHA

Michael Whitmore Compliance Assistance Specialist Iowa IOSHA.

Michael worked at the Maytag plant in Newton IA and is a journeyman electrician by trade. In 1995 he was appointed to the International Health and Safety Department for the United Auto Workers union in Detroit Mi. During this time Michael worked 50% of the time doing audits at UAW facilities and the rest of the time working in the Maytag plant. He has served 2 terms on Governor Vilsack’s Health and Safety Advisory Board and has been with Iowa OSHA for 4 years.

SPENCER, IOWA – Iowa Workforce Development will commit its resources to Iowa’s prosperity by working to ensure the income security, productivity, safety and health of all Iowans. One goal is to reduce the incidence of injury or illness to workers by enhancing the ability to identify and control safety and health hazards. Employers can learn about potential hazards at their worksites and improve their occupational safety and health management systems by using IOSHA’s consultation services and training opportunities.

The Lakes Area Employers’ Council and Kossuth County (ECI) in conjunction with Iowa Workforce Development is offering a “Ten Hour IOSHA Safety Training Certificate” session in November for employers who are interested in promoting safety in their workplace. The training session will be led by Mike Whitmore, Compliance Assistance Specialist with the Iowa Dept of Labor, Iowa Workforce Development. SHARP and VPP are company recognition programs for safety and health management awarded by the Commissioner of Labor on behalf of the Governor of Iowa. Employers should note that this program is completely separate from the IOSH Enforcement staff, no citations are issued or penalties proposed, and it is confidential.

Pre-registration is requested by Friday Nov 15, 2013 to Bob Becker at 712-262-1971 ext 126 or Robert.becker@iwd.iowa.gov. There is a registration fee of $40 to attend which covers meeting expenses and refreshments. This program has been approved for 8.0 (General) recertification credit hours (for each course) towards PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). A certificate of attendance will be provided at the training session.

The Lakes Area Employers’ Council is a local employer group supported by Iowa Workforce Development Region 3 and 4 and is part of the statewide Employers’ Council of Iowa system. All businesses are welcomed to attend these sessions. This employers’ group addresses workforce issues, and provides both educational and networking opportunities for employers and human resource professionals. Contact Bob Becker for more information about the Lakes Area ECI group. Robert.Becker@iwd.iowa.gov or 712-262-1971 x 126